Construction of the new, larger swimming pool at Grand Vue Park continues with the project’s first concrete pour happening this week.

The park made the announcement on its social media to the delight of its patrons. The pool is replacing the park’s current facility and will be much larger.

The park decided to replace its current pool to make a bigger one to accommodate the increasing number of guests arriving there. The addition of the park’s new RV park last summer was also part of that decision.

Construction of the new pool by Lombardi Construction of Follansbee began last July. It will also feature a rock climbing wall, diving board, two slides, water walks, basketball hoops and other water tools, according to park information.

The new pool’s designer was Martin Aquatic of Florida.

“Located in a nature and adventure park that overlooks the Ohio River Valley, the Grand Vue Park Aquatic Center will feature a 7,500-square-foot pool that offers activities and excitement for every age level,” according to the Martin Aquatic website.

“Thrill-seekers can test their mettle on the 21-foot-tall dual slide tower, the lilypad rope walk or the three-sided basketball hoop. Families with young children can enjoy the zero-entry end of the pool with spraying toys.

“Three traditional lap lanes are in the rectangular side of the pool, which reaches as deep as 11 feet and allows for a 1-meter diving board and a challenging aquatic rock climbing wall.

“For this project’s pool area, Martin Aquatic provided concept design services and hydraulic, structural, filtration, and chemical system design and engineering services.”

General Manager Craig White said previously the old pool was well attended by families with younger children, but not many teenagers used it. With it being larger and there being more water features, he anticipates more teens will frequent it.

Much like the old pool, the new pool will have a beach-style entry for those who do not want to use a ladder to get in and out. There will also be a handicapped chair lift for those who need it.

The pool closed in 2021 during construction of the RV Park. Because the pool was closed the park offered customers passes to other local pools instead.

The park anticipates selling pool passes closer to when the facility is ready to open, which is expected to happen for the Summer 2023 swimming season.